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 Letters-to-the-editor are widely read and well worth submitting. Letters are the most appropriate vehicle if the newspaper publishes something that gives you the chance to respond - a news story, editorial, op-ed, cartoon, column or even another letter-to-the-editor. The response need not always be contradictory. Often you can get a letter published that amplifies a point brushed over in the original article. Letters-to-the-editor pages differ from newspaper to newspaper in significant ways. You'll need to take a look at your own newspaper to get a feel for what they do and don't publish. Check for the word count of published letters, and see if they are always in direct response to something already published. (Some newspapers use their letters-to-the-editor space as a sort of community free-for-all; others see it as a dialogue about things the newspaper has published.) Once you've determined your newspaper's general approach, look for the right opportunity. If your paper seems only to publish letters that respond to things they've published, read every story you see that relates in the slightest way to child welfare issues with that in mind. Look for issues that the story or opinion piece failed to fully explain, got wrong or were in line with your message so that your letter can agree/disagree and offer additional information. Then send a letter, addressed to "Letters-to-the-Editor," to the newspaper. Some papers take letters by fax, email or on their website; others do not. Check your newspaper's policy. Finally, remember that whatever you're responding to is merely the occasion for your letter; it shouldn't limit what you have to say. So start your letter with a quick response to the article and then move on to make your points. Good luck! Example Letter Friday, April 18, 2003 Rivertowne Enquirer 312 Elm Street Rivertowne, OH 45202 To the Editor: We have become accustomed to the headlines about missing foster kids, infants left alone, young children killed by their parents whose acts of abuse or neglect went unnoticed or were ignored by those who might have helped. Instead of waiting for the next tragedy to happen, child welfare experts from across the nation met last fall in Washington, DC for a Child Welfare Summit hosted by the Center for the Study of Social Policy through its Center for Community Partnerships in Child Welfare. Participants described promising new approaches to keeping children safe and strengthening families that are yielding real results in communities throughout the country. These innovations include creating partnerships with families, community-based organizations and government agencies; providing better training to child welfare workers and giving them greater flexibility to aid troubled families; and providing parents and foster parents with opportunities to be partners in decisions affecting their children. In total, 21 recommendations for change at the federal level were made. We can all play a role in turning these recommendations into action. I urge readers to become familiar with these recommendations by visiting www.ccpcw.org and/or www.cssp.org, and to let their members of Congress know that they expect swift action at the federal level. We can do better for our community's most vulnerable children and families. Let's not wait for the next tragedy. Sincerely, [Name] [Organization] |